The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-04-03
How James O'Brien Held Convention, Nom
mated Himself for Register, and Succeed
ed in Polling Nineteen Thousand Votes.
Dissecting-Room Secrets Related by a
Writer Who Speaks by the Card.
The Strength of the Bull and the Agility Of
the Tiger Exemplifled in Two Magnificent
Specimens Of Physical Manhood.
LABoR's LATEST RECRUIT.

James O'Brien Creates a Sensation In the
United Labor Party.
Special to the indianapolis Journal.
New YORK, April Eff Beelzebub should
some day descend upon a rustic revival meeting
and announce his contrition for his sins and his
desire to become churchman, he could hardly
create more of a sensation, more uncomfortable
feeling, than the old-time political pushwhacker
James OBrien has in offering his services to the
United Labor party. One of the special bor-
rors of this party is naturally the machine poll
tician. and the pioneers of this party have de-
clared again and again their utter separation
from the old parties and their methods. This
declaration s even incorporated in the constitu-
ton of the county organization. James O'Brien
has held many public Offices. and has for many
years been man of remarkable personal popu-
larity. He used to be Democrat, but the time
came in one campaign when the jealouses of
rivals within the ranks prevailed and he was
defeated. Since the organization Mr. O'Brien
has been identified with nearly every polit-
ical faction except, possibly. the Republican
party. For two or three years past he has not
been worker in any of the regular organiza-
tons, not even in Irving Hall, but he has stirred
about by himself when campaign was on. some
times affiliating with Citizens movement"
and once, at least, running campaign all alone.
He met himself in convention by his own fire.
side. decided that politics needed good shaking
up, and concluded that the most effective way to
do it was TO run himself for register Accord
ingly. he nominated himself, and sent report
of the meeting to the newspapers. His letter of
acceptance was his sole platform, he had no or
g. l..
no faction. and he had no patronage at command
Yet, he polled 10000 votes-a defeat of course,
but brilliant one, and in one sense victory,
for it was convincing proof of his value as
politician, and it made people say at once that
Jimmie O'Brien had been throwing those
$4,000 votes wherever he pleased for
good many years. And many Of them believe
that he can still command that following. The
Labor leaders disturbed, the agitators
agitated. OBren is warm friend of Dr. Nc
Glynn, and some of the prominent men in the
Labor party have confidence in him. The Ger
mans and Socialists are suspicious. They fear
the introduction Of a professional politician
and his methods into the new oreeniaation
On the other hand, if O'Brien wants to come in
he will have to sign the constitution. in which
is embodied Henry Georges land theory, and a
mans signature to that is pretty good earnest
of his honest intentions. So say the politicians
friends. He openly admits that he thinks he
can help the new party in the way of perfecting
| the organization. and it is gravely suspected
that he sees good opportunity for bringing
| about one OF those spontaneous uprisings
| which workingmen in politics are famous for,
which may sweep him into the mayoralty or
| some other desirable position of power. He is
a smooth-faced black haired man. and looks
| like an actor. He is an extravaganza dresser.
| but in style his own-always just unique
| enough to be striking, never so much as to be
outandsh. He has been Representative in
| Congress.